Shrinking land allocation for agriculture in Thailand leading to rise in overseas import

Thai food processors (manufactures, repackers, spice sellers) are now turning to importing chili flakes and powder from overseas, predominantly from China (and some from India). This is to make up for the shortfall in Thai chili domestic production due to shrinking agricultural land.
However, manufacturers still need to create a blend of the imported variety with the Thai variety that is suitable for the local palate.